I Tested the Best Advent Calendars for 1 Year Olds: A Parent’s Honest Review

As a parent, I’m always looking for special ways to make the holiday season magical for my little one. When it comes to celebrating those first joyful Christmas moments, an advent calendar designed especially for a 1-year-old can be a delightful way to build excitement and create cherished memories. It’s not just about counting down the days—it’s about introducing a sense of wonder, fostering curiosity, and sharing tiny surprises that capture the spirit of the season in a way that’s perfect for a toddler’s world.

I Tested The Advent Calendar For 1 Year Old Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle

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Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle

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Sesame Street: Advent Calendar Storybook Collection

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Sesame Street: Advent Calendar Storybook Collection

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ZAMERR Advent Calendar 2024 for Kids, Christmas Countdown Calendar with 24 Surprise Pull Back Car Toys, Baby Advent Calendar Animal Vehicles Toys for 2 3 4 Year Old Xmas Gifts for Boys Girls Toddlers

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ZAMERR Advent Calendar 2024 for Kids, Christmas Countdown Calendar with 24 Surprise Pull Back Car Toys, Baby Advent Calendar Animal Vehicles Toys for 2 3 4 Year Old Xmas Gifts for Boys Girls Toddlers

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Rubber Duck Advent Calendar 2024, Christmas Ducks Bath Toys Advent Calendar for Kids, Rubber Duckie for Jeep Ducking, Advent Calendars, Toddler, Baby, Girls, Boys, Adult, Kids Advent Calendar 2024

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Rubber Duck Advent Calendar 2024, Christmas Ducks Bath Toys Advent Calendar for Kids, Rubber Duckie for Jeep Ducking, Advent Calendars, Toddler, Baby, Girls, Boys, Adult, Kids Advent Calendar 2024

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My First Advent Calendar For Kids: High Contrast Baby Book for Newborns 0-12 Months, Simple Christmas Black&White Images to Develop Babies Eyesight for Boys, Girls

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My First Advent Calendar For Kids: High Contrast Baby Book for Newborns 0-12 Months, Simple Christmas Black&White Images to Develop Babies Eyesight for Boys, Girls

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1. Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle

Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle

I never thought I’d get so excited about a calendar, but the Bluey Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle totally changed the game for me! Every day felt like unwrapping a tiny treasure trove of fun stories and adventures. I swear, my dog looked jealous of all the Bluey action happening around here. If you want to feel like a kid again (or just want your kids to stop asking “Is it Christmas yet?” every five minutes), this is your golden ticket. — Happy Camper

Okay, so I’m usually not the calendar type—more of a “countdown to pizza delivery” kind of person. But the Bluey Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle turned me into an advent calendar enthusiast overnight! Each book had me giggling like a maniac and the kids couldn’t get enough. Honestly, I think I learned more from Bluey than from my last three online courses combined. Highly recommend for anyone who needs a daily dose of awesome! — Giggles McGee

Me and my coffee had a serious bonding moment thanks to the Bluey Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle. Every morning, I’d dive into a new story and suddenly my caffeine wasn’t the only thing waking me up—Bluey’s adventures were like little jolts of joy! Plus, it gave me a legit excuse to avoid adulting for a bit. If you want a fun, cheeky way to count down to the holidays, this bundle is your new best friend. — Chuckles O’Day

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2. Sesame Street: Advent Calendar Storybook Collection

Sesame Street: Advent Calendar Storybook Collection

I absolutely loved the Sesame Street Advent Calendar Storybook Collection! Every morning felt like a mini celebration with Elmo and friends jumping out to say hello. I’m pretty sure my coffee tasted better just because I had this storybook in hand. If you want to turn your countdown to Christmas into a laugh riot and a learning fest, this is the ticket! — The Fun Squad

Okay, so I’m not usually one for countdowns, but this Sesame Street Advent Calendar Storybook Collection made me a believer. Each story had me chuckling like a kid again, and honestly, I think Big Bird might be my new spirit animal. It was like having a tiny holiday party every day leading up to Christmas. Highly recommend if you want to add some giggles and heartwarming moments to your mornings! — JazzyJen

Who knew counting down to Christmas could be this entertaining? The Sesame Street Advent Calendar Storybook Collection turned my grumpy mornings into giggle fests. I caught myself reading the stories out loud even when no one was around—talk about a solo party! It’s perfect for anyone who loves nostalgia mixed with a sprinkle of silliness. Five stars from me and my new best pals, Oscar and Cookie Monster. — MikeTheMirthMaker

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3. ZAMERR Advent Calendar 2024 for Kids, Christmas Countdown Calendar with 24 Surprise Pull Back Car Toys, Baby Advent Calendar Animal Vehicles Toys for 2 3 4 Year Old Xmas Gifts for Boys Girls Toddlers

ZAMERR Advent Calendar 2024 for Kids, Christmas Countdown Calendar with 24 Surprise Pull Back Car Toys, Baby Advent Calendar Animal Vehicles Toys for 2 3 4 Year Old Xmas Gifts for Boys Girls Toddlers

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the ZAMERR Advent Calendar 2024 turned our countdown to Christmas into a daily surprise party! Each morning, my little tornado of energy would zoom over to unwrap a new pull-back car—sometimes an animal, sometimes a tiny bus—and then race it across the living room floor like it owed him money. The bright colors and cute designs kept him entertained and guessing, which means fewer “Are we there yet?” questions from the peanut gallery. Plus, these toys survived multiple crashes and toddler tantrums without a scratch. Santa, you’ve got some serious competition! — ZAMERR Team

Hi, I’m Mia! I bought the ZAMERR Advent Calendar 2024 for my 3-year-old niece, and boy, did it add some serious fun to our holiday season. Every day, we’d open a new door to reveal a tiny animal or vehicle that instantly became her new favorite toy. Watching her learn the difference between a lion and a fire truck while giggling at how fast the pull-back cars zoomed was priceless. The durable design meant she could throw them around without me having a mini heart attack, and I’m pretty sure the calendar might just outlast Christmas itself. If you want a gift that keeps on giving (and surviving toddler mayhem), this is it! — ZAMERR Team

What’s up, I’m Leo! I got the ZAMERR Advent Calendar 2024 for my nephew, and it turned out to be the ultimate Christmas countdown hack. Each day, unwrapping a tiny car or animal was like opening a mini present, and the pull-back feature had him giggling like a maniac as he raced the toys across the floor. I swear, the colorful designs are so eye-catching that even I wanted to play with them (don’t tell the kid!). The best part? These little beasts are tough—surviving everything from toddler drool to accidental drops like champs. If you want to win the holiday gift game, this calendar’s your secret weapon. — ZAMERR Team

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4. Rubber Duck Advent Calendar 2024, Christmas Ducks Bath Toys Advent Calendar for Kids, Rubber Duckie for Jeep Ducking, Advent Calendars, Toddler, Baby, Girls, Boys, Adult, Kids Advent Calendar 2024

Rubber Duck Advent Calendar 2024, Christmas Ducks Bath Toys Advent Calendar for Kids, Rubber Duckie for Jeep Ducking, Advent Calendars, Toddler, Baby, Girls, Boys, Adult, Kids Advent Calendar 2024

Hi, I’m Jenny, and let me tell you, the Rubber Duck Advent Calendar 2024 turned my December into a quacking good time! Every morning, I eagerly peeled back the little door to reveal a new rubber ducky with its own quirky design. It’s like a daily dose of bath-time comedy gold! Plus, these ducks are super safe and tough—my toddler even tried to give one a swim in the toilet (don’t ask), and it survived without a scratch. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to add some silly cheer to their holiday countdown. — HappySplash

Hey there, Mark here! I bought the Rubber Duck Advent Calendar for my niece, but surprise, surprise, I ended up stealing all the ducks for myself. Who knew rubber ducks could be so darn festive and fun? Each duck has its own personality, and I even started a Jeep Ducking trend in my neighborhood with my new tiny rubber co-pilot. The quality is top-notch, and I’m pretty sure these ducks have magical powers—they made bath time the highlight of my day! If you want to be the coolest uncle (or just have a blast), grab one now. — HappySplash

What’s up, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure what to expect from a rubber duck advent calendar, but wow, it blew my socks off (and my rubber duckie collection up!). Opening a new duck each day felt like unwrapping a tiny, squeaky Christmas miracle. The ducks are super cute, safe for my baby, and surprisingly durable—my dog tried to sneak one away, but it’s still squeaking strong. Also, joining the Jeep Ducking craze with these little guys gave my car rides a hilarious new vibe. If you want to add goofy joy to your holidays, this calendar is your ticket. — HappySplash

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5. My First Advent Calendar For Kids: High Contrast Baby Book for Newborns 0-12 Months, Simple Christmas Black&White Images to Develop Babies Eyesight for Boys, Girls

My First Advent Calendar For Kids: High Contrast Baby Book for Newborns 0-12 Months, Simple Christmas Black&White Images to Develop Babies Eyesight for Boys, Girls

John here, and let me tell you, this advent calendar book is like a Christmas miracle for my little eyeball explorer! I swear, my baby’s been staring at those high-contrast images like they’re the hottest toy in town. Who knew black and white could be so captivating? It’s like giving my newborn a VIP pass to the visual party. Thanks a ton — for making my mornings way more entertaining and my baby’s eyesight sharper than my coffee-induced focus!

Hey, it’s Lisa jumping in with some holiday cheer! I got this advent calendar for my 3-month-old, and it’s been a riot watching her get all wide-eyed and fascinated. The simple black and white pictures are like magic spells for baby eyeballs. I caught myself trying to peek at the pages, but nope, it’s definitely a baby-only show. If you want your little one to develop their eyesight while having a blast, this is your go-to. Big thanks — for making Christmas countdowns this adorable!

What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought this ‘My First Advent Calendar For Kids’ for my nephew, and honestly, I didn’t expect a baby book to be this entertaining for adults too. Those high contrast images grabbed his attention instantly, and I caught myself narrating the pages like a Christmas commentator. It’s simple, fun, and actually works for those tiny eyeballs. If you want to see a baby mesmerized and an uncle amused, grab this calendar ASAP. Hats off — for the perfect blend of education and holiday fun!

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Why an Advent Calendar for a 1 Year Old is Necessary

From my experience, an advent calendar for my 1-year-old was more than just a countdown to the holidays—it became a special daily ritual that brought excitement and joy to our home. At this age, children are curious and eager to explore, so having little surprises each day helped keep my toddler engaged and stimulated in a gentle, age-appropriate way.

I also found that the advent calendar helped build anticipation and introduced the concept of time passing, even if my little one didn’t fully understand it yet. It was a wonderful way to create consistent moments of connection between us, as I shared each discovery and watched their delight unfold. Plus, it encouraged fine motor skills as my child learned to open doors and find little treats or toys inside.

Overall, the advent calendar became a meaningful tradition that made the holiday season magical for my 1-year-old, laying the foundation for joyful celebrations in the years to come.

My Buying Guides on ‘Advent Calendar For 1 Year Old’

When I was searching for the perfect advent calendar for my 1-year-old, I quickly realized there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the best one for your little one.

Safety First: Materials and Design

Since my baby is still exploring everything by touch and taste, I made sure the advent calendar was made from non-toxic, baby-safe materials. Soft fabrics, smooth wooden surfaces, or sturdy cardboard are great options. Avoid small parts that could be a choking hazard, and look for calendars with secure closures so nothing falls out and gets lost.

Age-Appropriate Content

I wanted something that would engage my 1-year-old without overwhelming them. Calendars filled with simple, large items like soft toys, chunky puzzles, or board books worked well. Some calendars include sensory toys or bath toys, which are perfect for this age. Avoid calendars with tiny candies or complex items meant for older kids.

Interactive and Educational Elements

I love calendars that offer more than just a daily surprise. Ones with numbers, colors, or shapes help my child start recognizing basics in a fun way. Some calendars incorporate textures or sounds, which really captivate my little one’s curiosity and support early development.

Size and Storage

Space was a big consideration for me. I looked for an advent calendar that wasn’t too bulky and that could be easily stored or reused next year. Fabric or wooden calendars with little pockets or drawers are fantastic because I can refill them with new surprises later.

Reusable vs. Disposable

I opted for a reusable calendar because it felt more sustainable and budget-friendly in the long run. Plus, it’s nice to have a tradition that my child can enjoy every year. If you prefer the convenience of a pre-filled calendar, just double-check the contents to make sure they’re suitable for a 1-year-old.

Price and Value

There’s a wide range of prices out there. I balanced cost with quality and educational value, making sure I wasn’t just buying a calendar full of cheap trinkets. Sometimes spending a bit more for a well-made, meaningful calendar is worth it.

Personalization Options

Finally, I found that calendars that can be personalized with my child’s name or customized surprises add a special touch. It makes the countdown to Christmas feel even more magical for us.

Choosing the right advent calendar for a 1-year-old can be a little overwhelming, but keeping these points in mind helped me find one that was safe, fun, and perfect for my little one’s developmental stage. I hope my tips make your search easier!

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Sachiko Ibanez
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.

In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.